Acrylic sheets are a lightweight, impact-resistant and crystal-clear material used as an alternative to glass in everything from windows and displays to signs and decorative panels. In this guide you get an overview of types, applications, fabrication and choice – so you can choose the right acrylic sheet for your project.
Which acrylic sheet should I choose?
Acrylic sheets are plastic sheets made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylic glass or plexiglass. They are transparent and have high clarity, making them a popular choice as an alternative to ordinary glass – while being lighter and more durable than glass. Acrylic sheets are used both indoors and outdoors for many different purposes.
See our range of acrylic sheets here
What is acrylic?
Acrylic (PMMA) is a thermoplastic known for its glass-like clarity, low weight and good durability. The material is easy to fabricate, can be cut to size and can be formed when heated. It has good resistance to UV light and weathering, so it is suitable for many different projects – both indoors and out. The best-known brands in acrylic are PLEXIGLASS® (Röhm) and Perspex (Lucite).
Why choose acrylic sheets? Pros and cons
Advantages:
- Very high transparency and clarity (light transmission up to 92%) – resembles glass
- Lightweight material – around half the weight of glass – easy to handle and install
- Good impact resistance compared with glass – less risk of dangerous splinters
- UV-resistant and weather-resistant – can be used outdoors without yellowing
- Can be cut, drilled and formed with ordinary tools
- Available in many colours and variants
Disadvantages:
- Not quite as impact-resistant as polycarbonate – can break under hard impact
- The surface is more prone to scratching than glass (unless coated)
- More brittle when drilling and cutting than polycarbonate
If you need extreme impact strength, polycarbonate may be a better choice.
Types of acrylic sheet and their uses
Acrylic comes in several variants, each optimised for different purposes.
Clear acrylic
Clear acrylic offers maximum transparency (up to 92% light transmission) and is typically used for windows, glass-like panels, displays and glazed sections where light transmission and optical clarity are important.
See clear acrylic
Opal acrylic
Opal acrylic gives diffused light and reduces glare. It is often used for light diffusion in luminaires, partition walls and room dividers where a soft light is desired.
See opal acrylic
Coloured acrylic
Coloured acrylic sheets are used for decorative solutions, signs, signage materials and design projects where both function and aesthetics matter. The colour runs through the full thickness of the sheet.
See coloured Perspex® acrylic
Mirror acrylic
Mirror acrylic sheets are a plastic-based mirror solution that weighs less and is safer to install than traditional glass. Suitable for children's rooms, institutions, gyms and decorative purposes.
See mirror acrylic
How do you choose the right acrylic sheet?
Consider the following:
Use:
- Functional glass replacement: choose clear acrylic
- Decorative solution: choose coloured acrylic or mirror acrylic
- Light diffusion: choose opal acrylic
Light and transparency:
- Maximum clarity: clear acrylic (92% light transmission)
- Diffused light without glare: opal acrylic
- Reduced light and heat: tinted acrylic
Strength:
- Ordinary use: standard acrylic (3–10 mm)
- Hard impact or outdoor windows: consider polycarbonate instead
Colours:
- Coloured acrylic sheets give design freedom for interiors, signs and decoration
How to fabricate acrylic sheets
Acrylic is easy to fabricate with ordinary tools if you follow the right techniques.
Cutting
Use a fine-toothed saw intended for plastic to achieve clean edges. Hold the material securely and use moderate speed to avoid chipping and melting. Leave the protective film in place during fabrication.
Drilling
Use sharp drill bits intended for plastic. Start at low speed to avoid cracks and splintering. Always pre-drill holes at least 1.5 x the sheet thickness from the edge.
Forming
Acrylic can be heated (around 150–160°C) and formed into curved or custom solutions. Dry the sheet at 80°C for several hours before thermoforming to avoid bubbles. Remove the protective film only when fabrication is complete, to protect the surface during the work.
Typical uses of acrylic sheets
Acrylic sheets are typically used for:
- Windows, glazed sections and rooflights (indoors and out)
- Signs, display walls and retail displays
- Decorative solutions in homes and businesses
- Protective panels and screens
- Room dividers and partition walls
- Luminaires and light diffusion
- Worktops and interior fittings
- Aquariums and terrariums (special types)
Acrylic vs polycarbonate – what is the difference?
Impact strength:
- Acrylic: 10–20 times stronger than glass
- Polycarbonate: up to 250 times stronger than glass
Light transmission:
- Acrylic: 92% (best)
- Polycarbonate: 86–90%
UV resistance:
- Acrylic: naturally UV-stable
- Polycarbonate: only with UV coating
Scratch resistance:
- Acrylic: good
- Polycarbonate: low (unless hard-coated)
Price:
- Acrylic: usually cheaper than polycarbonate
- Polycarbonate: more expensive but more impact-resistant
Acrylic is chosen when finish and clarity are decisive. Polycarbonate is chosen when safety and impact strength matter most.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to the most common questions about acrylic.
Is acrylic the same as glass?
No. Acrylic has glass-like clarity, but is lighter (around half the weight of glass) and more impact-resistant (10–20 times stronger than glass). Acrylic is also easier to fabricate – it can be sawn and drilled – whereas glass must be fabricated professionally.
Can acrylic be used outdoors?
Yes. Acrylic is naturally UV-resistant and weather-resistant and can be used both indoors and outdoors without yellowing. This is one of acrylic's major advantages over ordinary plastic.
Can I cut acrylic sheets myself?
Yes. Acrylic can be cut, drilled and fabricated with ordinary plastic tools, provided you use the right blades and bits. We also offer cut-to-size, where we cut the sheets exactly to your measurements.
Is acrylic the same as plexiglass?
Plexiglass is a brand of acrylic. PLEXIGLASS® is made by Röhm and is one of the best-known and most widely used acrylic grades in the world. Read more in our PLEXIGLASS® guide.
Which acrylic thickness should I choose?
For displays and light projects, 2–4 mm is sufficient. For windows and glazed sections, 4–8 mm is usually chosen. For larger panels and outdoor use, 6–10 mm is recommended. Greater thicknesses are used for special projects.
See our range of acrylic
See all acrylic sheets here
See original PLEXIGLASS® sheets
See coloured Perspex® acrylic
See acrylic mirrors
Unsure which acrylic sheet to choose? We are happy to advise – call +44 1408 910380 or write to sales@hm-plastic-shop.co.uk.
